8 Best Things To Do In Hatteras Island, North Carolina

things to do in hatteras island north carolina
Clare
Clare 
Published
| 3 min read

If you are looking to spend some time on a beach and to enjoy the sun while on your visit to the United States of America, a great option is to head to Hatteras Island in North Carolina! This coastal town is on a long strip of land that is part of the North Carolina Outer Banks coast, surrounded by the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you want to spend a day at the beach, learn about the history of the South, or relax with your family, Hatteras Island is the perfect spot for you. Here are 8 of the best things to do during your stay in coastal North Carolina!

1. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Beach

Photo Credit: Chaunie Rogers

Posted by Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on Saturday, 12 September 2015

If you want to look at a great aerial view of Hatteras and the shoreline of North Carolina, head to Cape Hatteras’ Lighthouse! This lighthouse protects ships from entering one of the most dangerous parts of the Atlantic Ocean due to a strong current, and it has a reputation of being called the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Take a guided or self-guided tour as you make your way up the top of the lighthouse for beautiful views of the east coast of the U.S. After, you can head right to the beach and spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean!

Cape Hatteras Light Station

Address: 46379 Lighthouse Road, 27920 Buxton, North Carolina

Website: Cape Hatteras Light Station

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2. Pea Island National Wildlife Reservation

I love the light of the afternoon sun. Makes colors oh so warmer. My hat is off to the people of the US National...

Posted by Paul Diming Photography on Sunday, 19 February 2017

Another great place to stop by while in the Hatteras Island area is the Pea Island National Wildlife Reservation. Enjoy beaches that protect the natural wildlife that surrounds the area, from the animals to the sand dunes, creating beautiful beaches that are hardly touched by man. An excellent beach location while on your stay in Hatteras Island.

Pea Island National Wild Reservation

Address: 14500 NC-12, 27968 Rodanthe, NC

Website: Pea Island National Wild Reservation

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3. Visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Posted by Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum on Thursday, 6 July 2017

If visiting the Hatteras Lighthouse is not enough to quench your love of history, head to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum to enjoy some indoor time and learn about the history of these ships that were wrecked along the Outer Banks. A great way to spend a day if you are looking to take a rest from the sun and learn!

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Address: 59200 Museum Dr, 27943 Hatteras, NC

Website: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

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4. Go horseback riding


Love animals, specifically horses? Go horseback riding on the shores of the Outer Banks while you are in Hatteras Island, North Carolina. Make your way through the iconic Hatteras shoreline and see the beauty of your surroundings during this two-hour ride on a horse and have the option to see the sunset while on your ride (times vary). A definite must on your list of things to do while visiting this special island. In order to go on a horse, you must be ten years or older to ride, so please keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.

Equine Adventures

Address: 52193 Piney Ridge Rd, 27936 Frisco, NC

Website: Equine Adventures

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5. Go fishing

Photo by our summer photo contest winner: Nate Knoth

Posted by Avon Fishing Pier NC on Monday, 4 January 2016

If you are a lover of fishing or just starting to love this great sport, head up to the Avon Fishing Pier to test your luck on the waters. The pier not only has great fishing opportunities but also has wonderful views of the Outer Banks. This pier is also right next to a gorgeous beach so you can spend your day fishing and enjoying the sun all in one place!

Avon Fishing Pier

Address: Highway 12, Avon, North Carolina

Website: Avon Fishing Pier

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6. Pea Island Garden Art Gallery

Posted by Pea Island Art Gallery on Wednesday, 12 December 2012

Want to support local artists? Head to the Pea Island Garden Art Gallery to view and purchase work from over 100 local and regional artists in the Outer Banks area. The building itself is a replica of the 1874 Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Head over to support local work and spend some good money on beautiful works of art!

Pea Island Garden Art Gallery

Address: 37766 HWY 12, 27972 Salvo, NC

Website: Pea Island Garden Art Gallery

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7. Charter a boat for fishing

Beautiful morning a couple weekends ago as the Miss Hatteras headed out for a full day of fishing! Thank you Nicholas Hamann

Posted by Miss Hatteras Party Boat on Thursday, 23 July 2015

If just fishing out on a pier is not enough for your fishing needs, you can charter a boat out onto the Atlantic Ocean or the Pamlico Sound to test your luck on the open waters! Captain Stowe Head Boats offer various types of tours for all types of fishers or you can even just enjoy a day out on the water finished with a sunset cruise!

Captain Stowe Head Boats

Address: 57878 NC Highway 12, 27943 Hatteras, NC

Website: Captain Stowe Head Boats

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8. Family Water Activites

Great day for an adventure we are missing Capt Michelle Layton Tyus today- hurry up come back!

Posted by Family Water Adventures on Monday, 22 May 2017

When you and your family want to head out on the water for some fun, head to Family Water Adventures where you can do anything you may dream of. From fishing boats to eco-tours to observe the wildlife to snorkeling or shelling, this adventure has everything you may need to make excellent memories while in Hatteras Island.

Family Water Adventures

Address: PO 267, 27943 Hatteras, NC, Hatteras Landing Marina

Website: Family Water Adventures

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Have fun at Hatteras Island

Bodie Island Light Cape Hatteras
Source: Photo by user Mark Ittleman used under CC BY 2.0

If you are adventuring through the United States on a vacation, whether you are with family or friends, Hatteras Island is an excellent stop on your tour in North Carolina. Along the Outer Banks, this small town feel has the beach, the history, and the joys of Southern charm to make for an unforgettable trip. In short, it should definitely be on your list of must-sees while visiting this great country and great state!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Clare Fitzgerald is a recent graduate of Franklin and Marshall College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and an honors Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She continues to pursue...Read more

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